Squid Game has finally returned, launching its second season over three years after its first.
With seven new episodes, the Korean drama captured our collective attention (again) with its high-stakes storytelling, following competitors through a dystopian game show as they fight to the death for a cash prize. Upon its initial release, Squid Game broke records as Netflix’s most popular series of all time, so it’s of little surprise that creator Hwang Dong-hyuk wrote two more seasons – which would include a third season.
The most recent iteration of Squid Game saw Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) roped back into the games. Instead of running away with his winnings from the first season, he returns with a mission to bring the operation down, working with police officer Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) to bring those running the games to justice. Of course, things don’t go to plan, and Gi-hun’s staged insurrection is shut down by the Front Man. What could come next?
Considering you’ve already watched the newest episodes, there’s good news. Netflix announced in August that it renewed Squid Game for a third season, which would also act as the final part of the series. And those who have found themselves gripped by this hugely poignant and original drama won’t have to wait long for the third season, since it was in production at the same time as season two.
Ahead, find everything we know so far about the upcoming season, as well as what to expect.
When does season 3 of Squid Game come out?
The second season of Squid Game ended on a significant cliff-hanger, leaving much to be covered in season three. Fortunately, the new (and final) episodes are scheduled to air sometime in 2025, according to Netflix.
“The fierce clash between [Gi-hun and the Front Man’s] two worlds will continue into the series finale with Season 3, which will be brought to you next year,” Hwang wrote in a message to fans. He originally envisioned seasons two and three as one complete story, but split the episodes into two seasons after realising the amount of time it would take to tell the full tale.
In an interview with Variety, Hwang stated that “we will be announcing the launch date for season 3 soon. I probably expect that to launch around summer or autumn next year.”
What can we expect from the third season?
As for what the third season will entail, fans can expect Gi-hun to continue his face off against the Front Man, although whether he successfully stops the games is uncertain. First, Gi-hun will have to survive another round of the games, especially now that he faces even more competitors than before.
“Gi-hun having lost everything, including his best friend, and all of his attempts going to failure, it’s now, what is he going to be like?” Hwang further told Variety. “What state is Gi-hun going to be in? And what will he choose to do? Will he continue on with the mission? Is he going to give up or persist? And so you’re going to meet our character Gi-hun at a very critical crossroads as we begin the third season. Gi-hun will not be the man he was in season 2.”
Audiences will also see what ultimately happens to Myung-gi and his pregnant girlfriend, as well as Park Yong-sik and his mother. As the competition continues, there’s also cowardly Dae-ho; Hyun-ju, a transgender woman hoping to win enough money to afford her gender-affirming surgery; and the mysterious fortune teller Seon-nyeo.
Outside of the games, police officer Jun-ho continues his search for the island. Viewers will likely receive answers as to why his older brother went missing (and then became the Front Man).
There’s plenty in store for the final season of Squid Game, so keep an eye out for when episodes drop in 2025.